Question

Unless a physical barrier or unpaved median separates traffic going in either direction, passing is unlawful and unsafe when a school bus is stopped to load or unload passengers on a public road.

Answer 1

Traffic signals play a crucial role in enhancing pedestrian safety and enforcing the posted speed limit, particularly in areas with high pedestrian traffic like school campuses. They are also vital in situations where traffic volume increases unexpectedly or during special events. Rule Utilitarianism considers the moral implications of breaking traffic laws under exceptional circumstances, like getting a pregnant woman to the hospital, which can be justified if it results in greater overall utility.

Step-by-step explanation:

The importance of traffic signals in maintaining pedestrian safety and regulating vehicle speed cannot be overstated. In the context of an educational campus, a traffic signal serves a critical role. It ensures that students and other pedestrians can cross intersections safely without having to 'dodge' traffic, which is particularly precarious when many vehicles disregard the posted speed limit. Having a reliable control measure like a traffic signal not only enhances safety but also compels drivers to slow down, thereby adhering to speed limits and reducing the likelihood of accidents.

Moreover, implementing such traffic measures is essential when situational factors increase traffic volume, such as the opening of a new manufacturing plant or when specific events like football games alter traffic patterns. Likewise, the larger societal context, including strategies like 'busing' to achieve racial balance in schools, plays a part in shaping traffic patterns and policies surrounding transportation and pedestrian safety.

In situations that may seem exceptional, such as transporting a pregnant woman in labor to the hospital at an early hour with no other vehicles present, the consideration of the moral implications under Rule Utilitarianism (RU) is highlighted. Although generally, traffic laws should be strictly followed, RU suggests that in certain circumstances, like the one described, breaking a traffic rule could result in a greater overall utility by ensuring the well-being of the pregnant woman.